Synthesis of CIGS nanoparticles for the application of low cost solar cells

• Main Author: Wong, Li Ting.
• Other Authors: Lam Yeng Ming
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2010
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/35656
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

This report documents the results of a research aimed at improving the morphology and stoichiometry of the synthesized semiconducting nanoparticles through modification of the various synthesis parameters. Semiconducting nanoparticles, with its potential of being solution processible are suitable for use as the absorber material in low cost solar cells. With continued advancement in synthesis techniques, the morphology of the synthesized nanoparticles can now be controlled, thus allowing the optimization of photovoltaic performance. Here, we report on the successful synthesis of CIGS nanoparticles with controlled morphology and stoichiometry. In this project, CIGS nanoparticles were synthesized using the hot coordination solvent method. Characterization of the nanoparticles was done using SEM, EDX, TEM and UV-VIS NIR spectroscopy. When hexadecylamine (HDA) was used as the ligand, larger nanoparticles were obtained as compared to when oleylamine (OLA) was used. Furthermore, an increase of reaction temperature resulted in an uncontrolled nanoparticles growth.